Shamrock Rovers brought Derry City's winning run at home to an end as they held the Candy Stripes to a 0-0 draw at The Brandywell. The draw keeps Rovers below City in fifth, but the six-point deficit has now been reduced to five points. The visitor
Shamrock Rovers brought Derry City's winning run at home to an end as they held the Candy Stripes to a 0-0 draw at The Brandywell.
The draw keeps Rovers below City in fifth, but the six-point deficit has now been reduced to five points. The visitors bossed the first half and Rovers had a number of opportunities to put themselves in front before the break.
Bradley's men should have snatched the lead after 38 minutes when Roberto Lopes was gifted a free header at the back post from a perfectly placed free-kick delivered by Sean Kavanagh.
Just before half-time, it was Graham Burke’s turn to try and put Rovers in front, but his effort proved nothing short of atrocious as his attempted chip went well wide. After the break, Rover's rhythm continued as Bradley’s men controlled the game and they once again intercepted Shiels’ defence.
After getting the better of Darren Cole, Danny Carr should have given the Tallaght side the lead. The Rovers forward was sent clear after 52 minutes and the striker slipped the ball past Gerard Doherty but the ball went dwindling over the bar from close range.
The Candy Stripes struggled to maintain possession and Rovers really began to turn the screw. This time Aaron Bolger pounced through the shaky City defence, but his shot sailed out for a goal kick.
Rory Patterson effort after 85 minutes was a rarity for City in the second half and the quality of the effort reflected on Kenny Shiels side for the entirety of the fixture. The Candy Stripes failed to produce a performance seen in recent weeks and deep into injury time Brandon Miele almost stole the winner.
The midfielder, brought on with 10 minutes to spare, almost produced a delighted injury-time winner but it wasn’t to be as it spilt out for a goal kick.
